The Moment of Impact Caught on Camera (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur province – A local mayor walked away without a scratch after assailants unleashed a rocket-propelled grenade on his armored convoy in broad daylight.[1][2]
The Moment of Impact Caught on Camera
Security footage captured the chilling sequence near a petrol station in Barangay Poblacion. A white minivan pulled up alongside Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan’s black Toyota Land Cruiser as it turned a corner. Two men emerged, aimed the RPG point-blank, and fired.[1]
The grenade detonated beneath the vehicle, erupting in a fireball and thick smoke. Remarkably, the armored SUV pressed forward undamaged. Gunmen then sprayed bullets, striking the mayor’s backup pickup truck. Witnesses nearby, including vendors along the highway, watched the chaos unfold at 6:20 a.m. on January 26.[2]
Ampatuan credited the reinforced plating for his survival. His executive secretary, Anwar Kuit Emblawa, later stated on DZMM radio, “Had the vehicle not been armoured, the mayor would be dead.”[1]
A Pattern of Deadly Threats
This attack marked the fourth attempt on Ampatuan’s life. Earlier incidents occurred in 2010, 2014, and 2019. He sustained injuries in the latter two, prompting upgrades to his security vehicles.[1]
Shariff Aguak lies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, an area long plagued by political rivalries and clan conflicts. Politicians there often face such risks. Emblawa noted, “That’s one of the risks politicians face,” while declining to speculate on motives.[1]
- 2010: First reported attempt, details limited.
- 2014: Mayor wounded, security enhanced.
- 2019: Another injury, leading to armored SUV acquisition.
- 2026: RPG strike foiled by defenses.
Swift Pursuit and Casualties
The assailants fled in their minivan but soon clashed with a joint Philippine National Police and Army team. Three suspects died in the shootout in a nearby municipality. Authorities recovered an RPG launcher and high-powered firearms from their vehicle. One gunman remains at large.[2]
Two of Ampatuan’s security escorts suffered non-life-threatening abdominal wounds. They received treatment at Bangsamoro Regional and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer and stabilized quickly. The mayor resumed duties immediately, requesting additional escorts due to the escalating firepower.[1]
Officials condemned the violence. Malacañang Palace issued a statement denouncing the bid and praising the rapid response.[3]
Investigations Underway
Police expect quick progress thanks to CCTV, daylight conditions, and witnesses. The probe explores possible hired guns or political angles ahead of local tensions. Ampatuan’s unscathed escape highlighted the effectiveness of his precautions.
Emblawa added, “By God’s grace, he’s unscathed – not a scratch.”[1] The incident underscores persistent security challenges in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Mayor Ampatuan survived intact; armored vehicle absorbed RPG blast.
- Two escorts wounded; three attackers killed in chase.
- Fourth attempt signals ongoing threats in Maguindanao del Sur.
Armored defenses proved decisive once again, but the brazen assault raises alarms about public safety for leaders in volatile areas. What measures should protect officials amid rising firepower? Share your thoughts in the comments.
